Patient Testimonials
The work we do is powered every day by a passion for making a difference in our patients’ lives. And to us, there’s nothing more rewarding than to have patients share stories about how their lives have been improved thanks to Balin Eye & Laser Center. Here are some of those stories, in our patients’ own words.
Eye Surgery Success Stories
Thank you to Dr. Balin and the team at Balin Eye & Laser Center for helping me feel confident and most importantly comfortable about my decision to go with LASIK eye surgery. I’ve worn glass since I was 8 and never thought it would be possible to get rid of them. This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for Balin Eye & Laser Center.
Chris
A week ago I had the PRK surgery performed. It is the second surgery I’ve had at Balin. The first time was over a decade ago when I could barely see the clock 2 inches from my face. No other eye doctor would consider helping me. Nancy Balin took the case and I walked out seeing 20/20. After fifteen or so years my eye sight was getting a little wonky so I came back and Nancy and her fabulous team did it again. I walked out seeing better then I did when I walked in. I could say the only bad part was when they took off the contact bandage which made my eyes feel like sand was in them but it only lasted a few moments and now they feel fabulous. Now I’m telling my friends and colleagues who are considering going in for a consultation. Couldn’t be happier. Thank you Nancy and all the people at Balin!
Tia
Fantastic, painless, fast and the entire staff is amazing. Now I see in 3D, it is like a child’s pop up book. I am so glad I did it.
Maryadele
First of all, I want to say how kind the staff here is. They were kind, answered any questions I had and were there to help along the way. The whole process was very quick. From my consultation to my procedure was only 2 weeks. And the procedure was quick and painless. The worst part was the healing afterwards, and if you do what they tell you to do then it’s not even that bad. I’m only 1 day post-op and I already can see 20/15, and my sight beforehand was -6.25. I can’t believe I waited so long but I’m so glad I did it, and I will definitely recommend Balin Eye and Laser Center to everyone I know.
Larissa
My LASIK at Balin Eye was a breeze! The staff and Dr Balin were professional and welcoming. Very thankful for my 20/20 vision.
Gina
After nearly 20 years of wearing corrective lenses, with the last 12 being contacts, I finally decided to contact Balin Eye for a lasik consult. Every single person that I dealt with throughout the consult and procedure itself was incredibly helpful and kind. They answered any and all questions that I had. Dr. Balin is incredibly knowledgeable and Geoff was fantastic to work with and helpful at every step. Now that I am a little over 3 weeks post-op, I can say that my only regret was not doing this sooner. Waking up the day after surgery with no pain and 20/15 vision was simply incredible. Dr. Balin addressed any concerns specific to me that I had during recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Balin to anyone who is tired of doing the contacts and glasses thing every day.
Tyler
Dr.Balin is just amazing! She is entirely knowledgeable, very kind, compassionate and always on top of my care. Her office staff are always very pleasant, accommodating with appt times and locations when they are able. She has twice performed surgery on me now and the surgical team at the Cataract and Laser Center are AMAZING. My eye care is complicated and I feel 100% in the best hands with Dr.Balin and I would NEVER change specialists. I highly recommend her to anyone, particularly those requiring specialized eye care. She is truly a phenomenal and gifted physician and surgeon. Blessings to her and her staff
Roni-Lee
“I was met by friendly & helpful staff, the exam was far more thorough than what I’d been used to (at the other place) and though my diagnosis wasn’t what I would have liked to get, I was given an abundance of information on the procedure I’d be having. The staff were very caring & understanding of my ‘need to know everything’. I left there, feeling, very excited about having my Cataract Surgeries and just felt like I was in good hands. I will be recommending Dr. Balin and Balin Eye to friends.”
Denise
“I had cataract surgery in November and am so very pleased with the results! To be able to wake up in the morning and see my clock without glasses made me want to cry with joy. Thank you Dr. Balin, you and your staff are wonderful.”
Lydia
“The staff is helpful, friendly and very knowledgeable. I would recommend Dr. Balin and her staff without question. She is the best eye surgeon in Western Mass and her staff is incredible.”
Robert
“Helpful and friendly staff and doctors. The LASIK that I did there went very well and faster than I thought. Dr. Balin and Dr. Brown are so knowledgeable, they explained everything nicely to me. I recommend this place for LASIK to everyone who is considering it.”
Hojat
“I recommend anyone to Balin Eye & Laser Center. If you want to be surrounded by a warm and inviting environment, this is the place. If you want to feel comfortable to talk to the staff about your concerns and actually feel like they care, this is the place. I put my trust in Dr. Balin to help my vision. Now, with iLasik, I am able to see. Dr. Balin, Dr. Brown, and the entire staff were attentive, caring, knowledgeable and friendly. I am so thankful for such a positive experience. This is the place to be if you want the best, most skillful care for your eyes, and to feel important.”
Monique
“Thank you to Dr. Balin and the team at Balin Eye & Laser Center for helping me feel confident and most importantly comfortable about my decision to go with LASIK eye surgery. I’ve worn glass since I was 8 and never thought it would be possible to get rid of them. This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for Balin Eye & Laser Center.”
Chris
“All I can say is WOW!!! I had PRK Surgery last week and here I am a week later seeing the world in a whole new way! Dr Balin was amazing! I ask myself now, “what took me so long to have this done?” No more glasses or contacts!! Thank you!”
Meredith
“Great job to the staff and doctors!! Thanks for the upgraded vision!!”
Dan
“I really want to say thank you to Balin Eye. They made the iLasik procedure as smooth and painless as possible for me. The staff could tell I was nervous, I mean you’re having this crazy thing done to your eyes, but several talked to me and made me feel better. When I was in kindergarten I had to start wearing glasses. Yesterday at the age of 40 I drove for the first time without corrective lenses. For some that might seem like a trivial thing. But to me to just signified my end of dependence on corrective lenses. I was so happy I honestly could have cried. I just drove to my destination smiling to whole way. 35 years of glasses and 24 of those years with contacts. My prescription was so bad, it was off the chart. Literally. The big E on the chart, I couldn’t tell it was an E. And it was that way for a long time. Yesterday they measured me at 20/25 vision. And as the time has gone to right now, it’s almost as if I can see my vision getting better with every passing hour. I can already see clearer than I could yesterday morning now that my eyes have healed more. And they need to heal more still. I can’t say enough about how happy I am to have done this. My next step will be to treat myself to a nice pair of sunglasses. Seriously thank you so much Dr. Balin and all of your staff at Balin Eye & Laser Center.”
Adam
“Lasik surgery was a success! I don’t know why I waited so long. Definitely recommend if you were blind as a bat like I was! Thankful to the folks at Balin Eye & Laser Center that took care of me and did an amazing job with my eyes!”
Mariela
“I had Lasik done yesterday and woke up being able to see without my glasses! I can’t ever remember not needing my glasses. Thank you and I will definitely recommend Dr. Balin and her team!”
Sarah
“Fantastic, painless, fast, and the entire staff is amazing. Now I see in 3D; it is like a child’s pop-up book. I am so glad I did it.”
Maryadele
“I had heard that vision after cataract surgery was much better, but I had no idea HOW much better! Dr. Balin created magic in my eyes. The entire staff was super-friendly, courteous, and professional. From start to finish, the entire experience has been seamless, painless, and an overall pleasure.”
William
“Highly recommend Balin Eye & Laser Center for LASIK or any other eye treatments. Dr. Balin and Dr. Brown are the absolute best around. Absolutely amazing team of professionals.”
Briana
“I am absolutely thrilled to have trusted the Balin Eye & Laser Center with correcting both of my eyes to 20/20 vision! All of the staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. They explained everything step by step. I was comfortable each step of the way. I highly recommend these folks! You will be in good hands.”
Lina
“Had LASIK performed yesterday at Balin Eye & Laser Center. Can’t compliment them enough. The staff is fantastic. Their COVID protocols are perfect. The procedure can be a little nerve-wracking, but Dr. Balin’s calm competence sets you at ease. She talks you through every step. Fast and easy. I’m seeing better than I have in decades! Highly recommend.”
Julie
“They were so kind and caring during the whole process–especially since I was really freaking out. If you’re scared, do it anyway. The team here have you covered, and will take excellent care of you!”
Stacey
“I am so grateful to Dr. Balin and her team! I now have 20/20 vision! Everyone was so nice and patient. I had lots of questions! I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my eyes. In one more week I will be able to throw on my sunglasses!”
Kim
“I cannot express how amazing Dr. Balin and her team of professionals are. From financing, to eye exam, to iLASIK surgery, they were incredible. The procedure is NOT painful, it’s just weird! Trust in the medication prior to, and the numbing drops, and you will be so happy with your decision. On my follow-up appointment I had 20/15 vision. 20/15!! At 42 years old, I feel like I have a new lease on life. Vision is incredible–who knew??? 5 stars for Dr. Balin!”
Kelly Ann
“Y’all truly have a wonderful staff! Kind, personable and professional! Thank you all so very much for my PERFECT vision. I cannot put into words the overwhelming happiness I now have after my procedure. I CAN SEE!!”
Brittany
“Thank you Dr Balin and team! Your practice is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable! It made me less anxious!”
Rebecca
“Just finished up my Lasik follow-up appointment and now have 20/20 vision (previously couldn’t even see the big E at the top of the chart). I was absolutely terrified to get this [LASIK] procedure done, but so happy I went through with it. The surgery and follow up were painless for me, aside from some mild discomfort. This has truly changed my life and I couldn’t be happier I chose Balin! Staff were amazing and so helpful through the process.”
Laura
“From the moment you walk in you are greeted with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I had LASIK done and I feel amazing. Dr. Balin and Dr. Brown explain every step of the surgery during the consultation. The day of the surgery was no different– it was a very relaxing experience from check in to the surgery. Dr. Balin explained each stage of the surgery and really put me at ease as did all of her AMAZING staff. I would highly recommend Balin Eye & Laser if you are interested in LASIK, or even looking for an eye doctor. I work in healthcare and this is really a wonderful practice!!!!”
Cheryl
“Dr.Balin is very thorough and skilled – I would not have gone anywhere else!”
Gabrielle
“Wearing glasses and contacts since I was 11 yrs old, I finally did iLASIK. The office staff were extremely knowledgeable and made me feel at home. The technicians have been with Dr. Balin for years and were extremely professional and experts in their field. Yes, there are cheaper places to get procedures done, but Dr. Balin is one of the best Doctors in the practice. The day of surgery was flawless. The staff were amazing and Dr. Balin & Dr. Brown made me feel calm and relaxed! I now have 20/10 vision which is amazing results. I could not be happier with more than perfect vision. Thank you so much for changing my life forever! I highly recommend Balin Eye & Laser.”
Briana
“Nancy Balin is a excellent doctor. I went from being nearly blind without my glasses– now I can see 20/15 with no need to wear glasses anymore. She is very skilled at what she does and talked about all options. I had refractive lensectomy and it was like getting new eyeballs!”
John
“Everyone at the office was friendly, helpful, and accommodating! Here’s to no glasses in 2020! If you are in the market for a new eye doctor, this is the staff you want to work with!”
Laura
“The entire staff is so compassionate and professional. Dr Balin is incredible. I’ve had Lasix 13 years ago and just had PRK and to tweak my eyes. All went great!!”
Paula
“I owe my near perfect eyesight to this marvelous doctor and her fabulous team. From 20/650 to 20/20 in eight days … because it was a week between surgeries. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much, Dr. Balin.”
Jean Louise
“47 years old and five years since I had LASIK performed at your clinic. My eyes and vision are excellent, and the procedure was by far the best money I ever spent. I can’t thank you enough Dr. Balin!!”
Gus
“What an excellent experience I had at Balin Eye & Laser Ctr. I knew what I wanted, & that was not to have to wear eye glasses anymore. However, I was unsure what to expect. But the staff was wonderful & they answered all of my questions. This made my decision to have laser surgery easy. Since having the surgery my vision is much better & I’m not wear glasses. Many thanks to the doctor’s & the staff members.”
Gerardo
“Had my first follow up today went from 20/40 to 20/15 vision! The staff at Balin was amazing throughout the whole process and made me feel comfortable the entire time. Thank you Dr. Balin!!”
Wehttam
“I’d worn glasses since second grade and contacts since eighth. LASIK surgery with Dr. Balin is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My vision is sharp, my eyes look healthy, I have no halos or scratchy eyes (I did with contacts) and my eyes feel great!”
Fonda G, MD
Family Medicine UCONN
“I had been wearing glasses since I was 7 years old with progressive worsening of my vision each year until adulthood. I finally decided to proceed with LASIK and have been nothing but pleased. Dr. Balin evaluated my situation carefully and she and her staff took the time to explain the procedure and what I could expect. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering the procedure.”
Michele B., MD
Anesthesiologist
“I was blind! I couldn’t see! Now I can see again. No pain. No recovery. No dry eyes. No halos. I can see at night. I can see more than I ever remember seeing before. I’m thrilled. It’s a new world.”
Renee T.
Vice President
“I was tired of wearing glasses so thick they left dents in my face. After vision correction with the excimer laser, I can see without glasses! I don’t have glasses getting fogged up in the cold, I don’t have dents in my face and I can wear eye makeup! This is Freedom.”
Nina P.
Clinical Nurse
“LASIK has given me the gift I have envied in others for more than 15 years. My vision is”better than perfect” at 20/15 in both eyes. Thank you Dr. Balin, and the fantastic staff that makes it easy and comfortable to have perfect vision through LASIK.”
Tom M.
Radio Producer and Musician
“I’m happy to recommend LASIK eye surgery at Nancy Balin’s Eye Center. I am convinced that she is among the most skilled at this procedure, and has an excellent track record. I wanted the best and I believe I got it. My vision is now 20/20. I no longer need glasses. I’d also like to praise her staff as they excelled in every aspect of their job in bringing me through the process.”
David P.
Registered Nurse
“Freedom’s just another word for LASIK!! LASIK has given me the freedom to enjoy a wide range of activities from jogging and going dancing, to turning cartwheels and playing in the snow. I can wake up in the morning and jump out of bed – no fumbling for my glasses!!! I thought I’d just have better vision after LASIK, but really I have a better life! Thank you Dr. Balin and thanks to your wonderful staff as well!”
Jennifer R.
Optician
“One day while driving to work, I got something in my eye, when I rubbed it the contact folded up under my eyelid. Needless to say that was a very dangerous and uncomfortable situation. I called the Balin Eye & Laser Center the next day. It’s wonderful to see clearly as soon as I wake up and to not have to take my contacts out at night. There are so many benefits but the best one is comfort – no more dry, irritating contacts or steamed up glasses.”
Lucille M.
Medical Technologist
“The staff at Balin has been great! I’m the envy of my co-workers. This is a fantastic procedure and a miracle of medical science. It amazed me the first time I watched TV with ease and without my glasses. I’ve been wearing glasses since the first grade and now I’m not. I can’t wait for the warm weather and to swim without glasses. This has been a great experience! Thanks again Dr. Balin.”
Chip M.
Program Director
WPKX 97.9 FM
“Dr. Balin and her staff provided meticulous, expert care. The procedure was painless; my 20/15 vision is priceless. Laser vision correction is extraordinary and I can honestly say that the physical and psychological benefits are astonishing. I see better than I ever did and was pleasantly surprised to find that I even feel more confident!”
Kate M.
Singer/Songwriter
“I am extremely happy with the process and results of LASIK surgery at Balin Eye Center. The procedure was clearly explained and quick and painless. I received personal attention the whole way through. I am thoroughly satisfied.”
Barry W.
Teacher
“Having PRK surgery has been a wonderful experience for me. It seems like an absolute miracle to be able to see without glasses or contact lenses. I feel a great sense of freedom as well for just being able to do everyday things without any hassle.
Now I wake up in the morning and can see clearly as soon as I open my eyes which is something I’ve never had-it’s a wonderful way to begin the day. Thank you very much”
Kathleen P.
RN
“The decision to have the surgery was not one I took lightly and I did a lot of research into the area. Once I was satisfied with the information, I decided to go ahead with it and have not looked back. I am extremely happy with the outcome, not just because I have great vision, but because my confidence has been restored. I cannot thank the doctors at Balin Eye Center enough. Thank you!”
Meaghan T.
Student
“I can’t believe it’s been almost eight months already since I had the PRK surgery. My left eye ended up at 20/15, and my right eye Is better than 20/20. My golf game has improved as well and now I don’t have to worry about the wind drying out my contact lens. What a pleasure it is to wake up in the morning and to be able to see clearly.
Thanks to your skill as an eye surgeon, my dependence on glasses and contact lens is a thing of the past.”
Donald D.
Director Corporate Human Resources Services
“Six months after my LASIK procedure it’s hard to believe I’m really seeing 20/20 with no glasses! Every morning when I wake up I’m still amazed at how well I see.”
Kayla W.
Musician, Teacher
“I recently had my vision corrected by LASIK surgery at the Balin Eye Center. This surgical procedure is painless, quick and the results are nearly miraculous. I can never adequately represent just how amazed I am with the results and I encourage anyone that is even remotely interested in corrective eye surgery to contact Dr. Nancy Balin and her wonderful staff!”
Gary M.
Attorney
“I had worn glasses since the age of 19. I decided to see Dr. Balin to find out if I was a candidate for LASIK surgery. I was and had a successful surgery. I am seeing better than 20/20 and not wearing glasses at all. The freedom of not wearing glasses is great!”
Ronald J.
Firefighter
“I was pleased with how quick the procedure was and how immediate the results were. Just one day after the surgery my vision was even better than it had been with my glasses. Peripheral vision in now a treat for me. It feels great to be able to see naturally the way I did before I needed glasses!”
Rachel Maddow
News Host, MSNBC
“Wearing glasses restricted my activities – making things like water sports and even playing with my daughter cumbersome. LASIK has made me feel independent. Like I am in control again. I enjoy being able to see the stars without wearing glasses. Wrestling with my daughter… I can recognize people easier. This surgery has given me my confidence back. Thank you Dr. Balin!!”
Colleen D.
Accountant
“I have worn glasses since the third grade. My life has been a series of frames, lenses, and contacts. I didn’t know what it was like to go to the beach and actually see what was in the water – or who was waving to me from the beach. Since my surgery, I am happy to say that my first experience with snorkeling was a thrill! On a recent vacation to the Bahamas with my kids, I was able to see the fish and coral reefs! I am thrilled with the results of my surgery. Thank you Dr. Balin and staff!!”
Medora P.
Human Resources
Director
“I had laser surgery because I think sight is such a blessing and more than anything I wanted to experience the world naturally without contacts or glasses. The benefits are unexplainable there are so many. Every inconvenience of bad vision – gone. Every minute of being able to see perfectly is amazing. It’s the best gift in the world. Balin Eye & Laser Center has been wonderful – thorough, considerate, warm and completely professional.”
Elise G.
Student Case Manager
“I’m the happiest person in the world and my thanks and gratitude go to Dr. Nancy Balin and her staff. They were all wonderful. Thank you.”
Palmira P.
Assistant VP
“It’s the freedom I like the most – Freedom from glasses steaming over, sliding down my nose, falling off and just being a general pain in the neck! Freedom from losing contact lenses, grit in my eyes, cleaning and”horsing around” with them, in general. I can now play basketball, football, walk up the mountain every morning, and even play tag with my grandchildren!
Thank you for being bold enough to introduce this great concept to the citizens of western Massachusetts”.
York M.
VP of Sales
“I chose to get my vision corrected to improve my quality of life as a whole. It has worked wonders, and I’ve recommended Dr. Balin to my family and friends. If you lead an active lifestyle, there is nothing like the freedom of not worrying about glasses, or contacts. Thanks again Dr. Balin and staff.”
Randal L.
Manufacturing Supervision
“It’s an incredible feeling to wake up and see right away (no fumbling for glasses). This is the best investment I ever made.”
Scott L.
Lab Tech
“Having the LASIK vision correction as a boost for my”get fit” campaign was one of the best decisions of my life. The immense boost to my self-esteem and being able to wear”cool” sunglasses for the first time in my life has been such added bonuses! The nearly instant results and the compassion and professionalism of everyone at Balin Eye Center made it such a positive experience as well. Thank you so very much to everyone at Balin!”
Shelley W.
Sr. Systems Analyst
“The results still seem unreal to me – I can see! No glasses, no prescription sunglasses, no prescription goggles, no contact lenses, no lens solution. This is terrific! After 37 years, I can see again without help.”
Mary Anne K.
Teacher
“I’d worn glasses for just about everything except sleep! All photos of me revealed a pair of glasses hanging or on my face! This past Mother’s Day, at picture taking time, my daughter asked me to please take off my glasses and put them in my purse! This was like a wake up call!!! The next day I called Dr. Balin’s office. LASIK surgery in both my eyes was the best move I ever made! No more glasses for driving, reading or everyday use! I am a very happy post-LASIK surgery gramma!!! Thank you Dr. Balin!!!”
Patricia D.
Retired RN
“A whole new outlook on life! I am so excited to be free of those thick lens I had worn for 37 years. Since the age of 5 years old I had worn glasses. I had never realized how much they held me back from doing the things I really wanted to do. Things like sports, or amusement rides or anything that would be a threat to breaking or losing my glasses. I can’t tell enough people how happy I am and how wonderful your staff was helping me achieve the excellent vision I now have. Thank you all!”
Scott C.
Insurance Appraiser
“The LASIK surgery was a snap. I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes and would recommend LASIK to anyone interested in freeing themselves from the shackles of poor vision.”
Joe L.
Graduate Student
“I love my new eyes! I’ve been wearing glasses since the seventh grade and contacts for 30 years – it’s great to get up in the morning and not have to”fish” for my glasses. The procedure was simple and painless. Thanks a million.”
William S.
Jeweler
“While thinking about a way to celebrate my 50th birthday, my husband suggested that I have the corrective eye surgery as a special gift. He didn’t have to speak twice! Now, I see clearer than I ever did with my old glasses!”
Cinni D.
Registered Nurse
“I wore glasses for over 25 years. It’s great that I no longer need distance glasses. I can do fun activities like swimming, playing ball, gardening, etc. without glasses! It was worth every penny!”
Richard R.
Chemical Technician
” I want to thank Dr. Nancy Balin and all her staff for doing such a fantastic job with my LASIK surgery. I obtained 20/15 Vision and I don’t even need the reading glasses that they said I would need for close up reading. I obtained better vision than I had expected.”
Diane L.
Registered Electrologist
“Dr. Balin and her staff were extremely competent and knowledgeable, as well as friendly and reassuring. And thanks to them, I can wake up in the morning and actually see without blindly groping for glasses. My vision is 20/15 in both eye… I could not ask for anything better than that! Thank you Dr. Balin… I am truly grateful.”
Candace P.
Business Office Manager
“LASIK surgery was my 30th birthday gift to myself – New Eyes! I had worn glasses since the fifth grade and contacts for nine years. I was ready! The whole procedure was amazing and my results were outstanding! I spent a week at the beach a month later and didn’t have to contend with gritty – oily – sandy – hazy contact lenses every day! (sweet freedom!) I was married on Thanksgiving Day and smiled through tears of joy and I could even see after crying! Thank you, Dr. Balin – I don’t think I’ll ever beat this birthday gift!”
Kathleen L.
Retail Manager
“No more bothersome glasses, marks on either side of my nose, soreness behind my ears. No fear of playing sports and having my glasses broken or knocked off my face. I can go to the beach and when in the water spot my children in the surf with me or up on the beach.”
Tom D.
Production Manager
“Contact lenses have been a part of my life that I just got used to. When I learned of LASIK, I was so excited! Swimming with my eyes open, no cleaners or new lenses every year, and going right to sleep without taking out lenses! Seeing the alarm clock while in bed. All of these things have greatly improved my quality of life.
Anne Marie C.
College Admissions
“If I had to use just one word for my procedure it would be”super”! I found the surgery to be painless and quick. The staff explained everything to me in a most helpful and professional manner.”
Don P.
Self Employed
“Thank you Dr Balen, Dr Brown & staff for a wonderful experience from start to finish. Iam thrilled with the results of the PRK procedure an am grateful for the care I received. Thank you again!!”
Kimberly
